Government agencies populated with scientists people are pleased to call “experts” are often thought to be above the ordinary give-and-take of politics and, especially, immune to the clarion calls of activists and pressure of public opinion.

The FDA recently announced a plan to move forward to develop a regulation that would mandate a reduction in nicotine in combustible cigarettes to a very low level. The FDA justified the move by stating that such a mandate could help current smokers quit, and prevent experimental users from becoming regular smokers.

As if the Food and Drug Administration’s deeming regulations weren’t enough to stall the future of the vaping industry, numerous county health departments have decided to lodge themselves in the war against electronic cigarettes.

In today’s edition of The Heartland Daily Podcast, Lindsey Stroud speaks with Robin Barsky. Barsky, a nurse and member of the board of The Vaping Militia, discusses the health care implications of vaping.

John and Donny continue their weekly exploration of think tanks across the country in episode #51 of the In The Tank Podcast. This weekly podcast features (as always) interviews, debates, and roundtable discussions that explore the work of think tanks across the country. The show is available for download as part of the Heartland Daily Podcast every Friday. Today’s podcast features work from the Beacon Center of Tennessee, The Heartland Institute, the National Center For Policy Analysis, and the Foundation for Economic Education.